The most common applications for small-diaphragm condenser microphones are for acoustic guitars, hi-hats, harps, drum overheads (not kick drums), or any instrument with quick transients (high volume, short-duration sounds), overtones, or both. Many people have even been reported to use it when making films.
Small-diaphragm condenser microphones are helpful equipment in live sound and studio settings all around the world. They are frequently employed as distant/room mics as well as close-mics for instruments. They are the first choice for many applications where accuracy is crucial because to their typical quick transient response, extended frequency response, and consistent polar pattern specs. Some recording methods often favor using both a large and a small-diaphragm condenser simultaneously in order to capture a wider range of frequencies in their mix.
Small-diaphragm condensers (half an inch or less) have superior sound-pressure (SPL), a better dynamic range, and simple positioning compared to large-diaphragm condensers (1 inch or more). They also have more self-noise, a far less constrained frequency range, and poorer sensitivity (because of their smaller dimension). Even better, many of these are sold in pairs when purchased online. This is because many people use them to record their instruments from various angles in order to capture them more successfully.
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Shure KSM 137/SL End-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Cardioid polar pattern, ultra-thin diaphragm, transformerless preamplifier...
- Switchable pad (25dB, 15dB) for very high input SPL sources.
- Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely...
A tiny diaphragm condenser called the Shure KSM137 is designed for use in a recording studio. It is a cardioid microphone with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is actually the entire range of human hearing. It offers a low-cut option for both 80 Hz and 115 Hz, as well as a pad with a choice of -15 dB or – 25 dB of attenuation. For a variety of uses, it is the ideal condenser.
Superior transient response and superb sound isolation are provided by the cardioid instrument microphone. It has a gold-layered Mylar diaphragm, a transparent preamplifier, a subsonic filter to eliminate low-frequency rumble, and an SPL pad.
The KSM137 is a single-cardioid polar pattern end-address condenser microphone. The KSM137 was created for studio use, yet it’s durable enough for live use and can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL). The extended frequency response and low self-noise make it perfect for recording instruments. The KSM137 is a superb microphone for instruments ranging from percussion to wind, strings to brass, and piano to guitar. It is versatile, reliable, and precise. A decent option for a reasonably priced tiny diaphragm condenser mic is the Shure KSM137. This is the Best Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone in 2023.
sE Electronics – sE8 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Mounting and Case
- Small-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Mic with Gold-sputtered Capsule
- Gold-plated XLR - Stereo Pair with Mic Clips
- 80Hz 160Hz Highpass Filters
These fixed small-diaphragm cardioid-pattern microphones are not switchable, unlike some pencil mics, and can be found both individually and in matched pairs. We received a matched set of sE8s in for evaluation; they typically came with stand clips, a stereo bar, and two foam windscreens for outdoor use, as well as a foam-lined metal container.
The mic’s specification sheet offers low noise, a clear, clean sound, a dual-value pad, and low-cut filter switches. The capsules are manually manufactured in the company’s own manufacturing facility in Shanghai. According to sE, they measure a large number of individual microphones to produce factory-matched pairs, then pair those that have the same characteristics.
A fantastic grille covers the side venting of a half-inch capsule with a mesh-covered diaphragm that is three microns thick and made of gold. We are aware that the capsule uses a freshly built backplate to produce a clean frequency response and an additional steady off-axis response. The response graph only shows the tiniest evidence of a presence hump, starting at 5 kHz and culminating at around 8 kHz, but the spec sheet describes the expected 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response. The response is flat without the filters activated all the way down to 30Hz, after which there is a slight roll-off.
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- Series 180 Small-diaphragm Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphone with...
The Neumann KM 184 is a cardioid-polar single-sample pencil condenser microphone. Because it is a transformerless FET, the microphone can generate a clear sound and operate in a wider frequency range without distortion. In 1993, the Neumann KM 184 made its debut. It was created and produced to replace the Neumann KM 84 in the company’s new product lineup. With its vocal microphones, Neumann has created for its company a virtually legendary fame.
Many artists will find that to be helpful information because different microphones may struggle with distortion, especially when they become overloaded. It can be used for a number of purposes, even on the road, because it is lightweight and portable (just 80g). The KM184 mic is painstakingly and precisely developed, just like the rest of Neumann’s microphones, to deliver the best sound possible. The Neumann KM-184’s cardioid pattern is frequency-independent and provides excellent sound rejection.
The microphone offers a smooth frequency response, a self-noise level of just 13 dBA, and can reliably handle sound pressure levels of up to 138 dB. Overall, it has been painstakingly crafted to deliver the best sound possible, whether it be on stage or off.
Rode NT5-S Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- Externally biased condenser; Low noise
- Gold sputtered 1/2 inch capsule
- Heavy duty satin nickel plated body
Once they’re in your microphone locker, Rode NT5 mics are tiny but incredibly powerful “guns.” This condenser microphone features cardioid characteristics and a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz, just like other typical condensers. These microphones’ frequency response is particularly flat, with only minimal low shelving from 100Hz and high shelving from 4kHz.
We’re using it, specifically for this utility as there are numerous recording engineers. Using them to capture choruses using the XY mic technique is the novel technique we discovered. This location produces incredibly clear audio, and NT5 can easily handle situations when there is a lot of reverb on the bottom frequencies.
A stereo-pair inside microphone, the Rode NT5 Microphone enables you to record audio even more covertly. A multi-sided, very functional pencil condenser that is well-made. It has a pair of tiny schematics with a full frequency response and low noise output. As you can even see, using NT5 is incredibly flexible and allows for outdoor recording. Due to the circumstances, you might utilize a bag that attaches to a microphone to protect the diaphragm from wind or other unwanted artifacts.